Title: Research laws and regulations related to professional caregiving.
Course: Family and Human Services II (19999-II) > Section: Examining Ethical and Professional Concerns

Research should include using resources (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA], Code of Virginia) to investigate

- harmful and/or deceptive behaviors (e.g., psychological abuse, physical abuse)
- financial exploitation
- compliance with codes and regulations (e.g., Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 [HIPAA])
- client rights and legal documents (e.g., protection of privacy, dignity, autonomy, advance healthcare directives, legal guardianship and conservatorship, do not resuscitate orders [DNR])
- appropriate collaborative relationships with clients, families, and colleagues.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- How can a professional help a client understand the laws and regulations associated with his/her care and condition?
- How might a professional negatively influence a situation by not understanding relevant laws and regulations?
- How might client misunderstanding of laws and regulations be harmful?

Communication

- How must the professional's communication with various clients differ?
- In what situations should family and human services professionals communicate to the client and family if they suspect unethical behavior?
- What situations warrant notifying law enforcement officials when unethical behavior is evident?

Leadership

- What are examples of family and human services professionals being responsible for notifying the client and family when unethical behavior exists?
- What are examples of clients and families being responsible for notifying family and human services professionals that unethical behavior exists?

Management

- What would be some examples of how the client is affected when laws are not followed?
- What would be some examples of how family and human services professionals are affected when laws are not followed?
- How would the client and family gain additional support if fraudulent activity has taken place?